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2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 51owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz S-Class year on file: 51 complaints, against an average of 20 for the other 13 model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The components named most often in the 51 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 51 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a…On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Risk: On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSATo improve emissions of the affected vehicles.certain calibrations of functionalities must be changed in the engine management
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAExtended seat belt may malfunction and reduce effectiveness of shoulder belt
Risk: It has been identified that the rear seatbelt extender may not retract as intended due to an issue with the individual friction conditions experienced by the belt extender which have not be programmed into the control unit. Should the pretensioners deploy during a collision then there is the potential that the extender may fail and break leaving broken edges which can cause a risk of a serious injury or higher occupant loading.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and recode the rear control unit on the vehicle.
UK DVSAAutomatic transmission may malfunction
Risk: It has been identified on certain 6 cylinder diesel engine/9 speed automatic transmission vehicles the starter/alternator/transmission wiring harness may be too close to the exhaust system. If it is then there is a risk that the wiring harness may suffer heat damage which can result in the transmission inadvertently selecting neutral whilst driving the Auto P function or the manual P function in the transmission not being available. The manually operated parking brake will still function.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required reroute or replace the wiring harness. The type of action is dependant on the amount of damage present.
UK DVSAAuto stop/start may shutdown without warning
Risk: Incorrect software may have been installed during manufacture. This may cause erratic idling when coming to a halt and the engine may shut down. Consequently the auto start/stop may not operate as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles update the powertrain control software.
UK DVSAStop start engine may not restart
Risk: The excess length of the wiring harness to the engine control unit could result in a faulty camshaft signal. This faulty camshaft signal may lead to an unintentional cancellation of the automatic starting procedure after automatic engine stop of the automatic start/stop system. In the event of a faulty camshaft signal the engine would not restart as expected following the stop procedure but can be manually restarted immediately by engaging the transmission selector lever position N or D and by operating the ignition key or the start button (with keyless go). Depending on the traffic situation however an increased accident hazard could result.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and rework the wiring harness to the engine control unit on the affected vehicles as a precautionary measure.
UK DVSATransmission may lock at low speed
Risk: The high-voltage battery charger may not have been produced to specification which could lead to an incorrect detection of an external charging cable. This in turn can lead the request for P to be activated. If the speed is less than 5 km/h the transmission would activate the park pawl function which will prevent the vehicle from driving further and could increase the risk of an incident.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high-voltage charger on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSACombustion engine may fail to start
Risk: Incorrect software may cause the combustion engine to non start during use. Restarting the vehicle by using the key will reset the system
Fix: On affected vehicles update the software for the fuel control unit.
UK DVSAFront seat belts may not perform as intended
Risk: The front seat belts may have been wrongly installed and may not fully perform as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles check installation and correct if necessary.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts.As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe belt feeders do not return to their standby position due to faulty encoding of the automatic belt feeder.This entirely removes the protective effect of the shoulder strap in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe on-board high-voltage battery charger may malfunction.As a consequence it may incorrectly detect that an external charging cable has been inserted. If the vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 5 km/h, this could lead to the activation of the park-lock function which would prevent further movement of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front seatbelts were installed on the wrong sides and may not lock as required.In the event of an accident there is an increased risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2015, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners report?
12 of the 51 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I loss my electric steering assist!!! Takes 2 gorillas to turn the wheel i was able to stop without crashing into anything
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine, and the brakes squeaked while turning. While refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and felt loose, and the vehicle hesitated while coming to a stop. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a…
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the message "Front Drivers Air Bag Malfunction - Service Required" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V177000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage…
Brought my vehicle to my mechanic because of noise that recently appeared in my car. To my surprise the mechanic stated that my engine is completely failing and would require an entire new engine. I purchased this car less than two years ago with an estimated 79,000 miles. Vehicle currently has an estimated 112,000 miles. Never missed a service interval for the vehicle. Now several components of the engine are completely failing.
Roof panel between windshield and panoramic sunroof has developed fine hairline fractures on the polycarbonate panel. Why wasn't my vehicle included in recall 21V-197? Thanks for your time.
The rear seatbelts do not retract to restrain the passenger. They also don't retract after the passenger has exited the vehicle.
Cylinder wall 2 and 3 scorn horribly. Coolant leaking into cylinder 2 & 3. Dealer recommendation of new motor due to bad block. German Auto Works and CarStoreUSA Wichita KS both recommend new motor and have advised of many of same motors being recalled by Mercedes Benz. I also spoke with Mercedes Benz North America. The heads were replaced in 2022 already and have under 10k miles on motor since repair.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed seat belt retractor. The contact was informed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The driver side reader door can be opened when the door is locked. The door can be inspected on request. The risk is that the door can be opened when the door is indicated as locked. There are no lights to the contrary. The car is inspected by Mercedes dealer at McFarland in Georgia. See Mercedes recall Campaign 2018010009, March 2018.
I drove my 2015 MERCEDES BENZ S550 4MATIC APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO WORK, PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, I WAS ALERTED BY PEMBROKE PINES POLICE (CASE# PPPD22OFF050792) THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT PEMBROKE PINES FIRE DEPT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHING A CATASTROPHIC FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR DROVE PROBLEM FREE TO THAT POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO SMOKE, NO SMELL, NO LEAK.THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FIRE WITH APPROX 93000 MILES. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY MB FORT LAUDERDALE 1 MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND NO…
ON JULY 15, 2020, I WAS INVOLVED IN A ONE CAR ACCIDENT. THE CAR LEFT THE ROADWAY ON A CURVE WHEN I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS DUE TO A MEDICAL ISSUE, AND SLID DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A TREE. THE TREE PREVENTED A TOTAL ROLLOVER AND THE CAR WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NEITHER DID THE FRONT AIRBAGS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS ARE SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY IN A SIDE IMPACT OR ROLLOVER SITUATION, BOTH OF WHICH OCCURRED. BECAUSE THEY DID NOT DEPLOY, I SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY, BROKEN RIBS FROM THE IMPACT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE STARTED TO SMELL BURNING BRAKE PAD ODOR INSIDE OF THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARK BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT A NEAR CAR WASH PARKING LOT AND WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE NEAR THE REAR DRIVER CALIPER. THE CONTACT STATED AN EMPLOYEE FROM THE CAR WASH WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT…
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2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class; the most common categories were seat belts (8, 15.7%), electrical system (6, 11.8%), structure (6, 11.8%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 6 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Across 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are seat belts (15.7% of complaints), electrical system (11.8% of complaints), structure (11.8% of complaints), air bags (9.8% of complaints), wheels (9.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
9 of the 51 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (17.6%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. One owner wrote: "The rear seatbelts do not retract to restrain the passenger. They also don't retract after the passenger has exited the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11646218, March 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shatter or fail?
5 of the 51 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (9.8%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "There is an active recall on the 2015 Mercedes S550 for the Front Stationary Sunroof panel however my vehicle is not part of the recall due to the Vin#." (NHTSA complaint 11579792, March 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own S-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only; combines NHTSA's entries for S-CLASS and S-CLASS HYBRID.